Medevac at Maxson School this AM

 

A Plainfield Today reader contacted me at 7:00 AM this morning to report police and emergency vehicles were at the athletic field at Maxson School on East 7th Street and that a medevac appeared shortly thereafter.

No word yet on the reason for the helicopter, especially at this location, as medevacs usually use the Hub Stine Field unless the victim is in perilous condition.

Check back later for more information.

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-- Dan Damon [follow]

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Ward 2 Town Hall meeting tonight

The Plainfield City Council's second Town Hall meeting of 2013 will take place at 7:00 PM tonight at the Cook School auditorium, 739 Leland Avenue (at Berkeley).

Meetings are traditionally held in each of the city's four wards as a convenience to residents. They are all open to all residents and taxpayers.

The format provides an opportunity for residents and business owners to share their concerns with Councilors and members of the administration, as well as to celebrate achievements in the community.

The remaining two meetings are as follows -

Ward 3
Wednesday, May 22 
7:00 PM 
Cedar Brook School 
1049 Central Avenue

Ward 4
Wednesday, June 19 
Jefferson School 
1750 West Front Street

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Last chance for tickets to FBM award brunch Saturday

Plainfield activist Emily Washington to be honored.

 
The deadline is approaching for tickets to Plainfield housing nonprofit Faith Bricks & Mortar's brunch honor longtime Plainfield activist Emily Washington at its annual Sally Beckwith Awards Brunch this Saturday, April 20. For tickets and reservations, call FBM at (908) 756-5774 now.

Mrs. Washington has been a powerhouse in Plainfield community, church, school and political circles for decades.

A native of Lynchburg, Virginia, she came to Plainfield when her family relocated in her teens.

Her lifelong activism in civil rights began in the 1940s when she joined the NAACP, of which she is a longtime Life Member, having served as president and vice president. She has also been active with the Urban League, the Plainfield Human Relations Commission and the city's Martin Luther King Jr. Committee.

As a parent she became involved with the schools, serving in the Washington and Hubbard School PTAs as well as on the Citizens Budget Advisory Committee for the Plainfield Board of Ed. At Washington and Jefferson Schools, Emily provided scholarships and awards through a fund memorializing her late husband, the Rev. H. G. Washington.

Emily has chaired fund drives for the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society as well as fundraising for Deborah Hospital. She has been active in veterans affairs through the American Legion, including serving as president of the Union County American Legion Auxiliary.

From the time of her service as President Eishenhower's election coordinator in Plainfield, Emily has been deeply involved in Republican politics at the local, county and state levels. She is a longtime 4th Ward committeewoman, has been president of Union County Afro-American Republicans and a member of the NJ Black Republican Council.

When they relocated to Plainfield, Emily's family became active with Mt. Olive Baptist Church, where she served in various capacities over the years, leaving only to serve with her husband when he was assistant pastor at White Rock Baptist Church in South Plainfield. She is currently a member of Rose of Sharon Community Church.

The Awards Brunch is named in honor of Sally Beckwith, one of the founders of Faith Bricks & Mortar, who was also active as a musician and producer, director and actor in the Act IV group which presents at the First Unitarian Society of Plainfield.

The Brunch is $50/person and will be held at the Spain Inn. Reservations may be made by calling FBM at (908) 756-5774, or drop by the office at 164 East Front Street (facing the rear public parking lot).

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FAITH BRICKS & MORTAR
Sally Beckwith Awards Brunch
Honoring
Emily Washington

Saturday, April 20
11:00 AM

Spain Inn
1707 West 7th Street (at Rock Avenue)
Piscataway

For Reservations or Ticket Purchases
call FBM at (908) 756-5774

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-- Dan Damon [follow]

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Treachery in Boston

An bomb explodes near the finish line at the Boston Marathon.
(Image by WTAE.)

 
Plainfielders join the rest of the nation in shock at the bombings near the finish point of the Boston Marathon Monday.

Though no one has yet taken credit for the bombing, you can be sure that authorities are at work trying to sift through any and all clues and will ultimately find the perpetrator(s) and bring them to justice.

It is treacherous to prey upon tens of thousands of innocent enthusiasts out to participate in and watch a world-famous running event. There is a terrible irony to the horror in that many runners were running in remembrance of the children and educators killed in the mass shooting at Connecticut's Sandy Hook Elementary School.

One word that is beginning to emerge is to describe the response of Americans as 'resilient', and that ultimately Americans will assert their right and expectation of celebrating public events without fear of danger or subterfuge.

In the meantime, all we can do is keep the victims, as well as those who escaped injury but were present, in our thoughts and prayers.

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-- Dan Damon [follow]

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Have you seen this 'missing person'?

Has Sharon gone missing? Spotted downtown on Saturday.

 
Plainfield deserves a lighter touch this morning. The above snapshot is of a 'missing person' flyer spotted on a utility pole downtown on Saturday afternoon.

Posted by unknown person or persons. Definitely not New Dems or RDO. Who then?

(Apologies for the brief post, am off to the doctor's.)

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-- Dan Damon [follow]

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Plainfield Dem campaign gets under way

Candidates rallied Saturday to kick off Primary Election campaign. (photo courtesy CT Pile)

 
Plainfield's Democratic primary election season got under way in earnest yesterday with the grand opening of the party headquarters at 211 West Front Street, next door to Dunkin' Donuts.

About one hundred people gathered at the Union County office building's plaza to enjoy music and speechifying in the bright sunshine of a Spring Saturday.

Speakers included Assemblyman Jerry Green and Assemblywoman Linda Stender, as well as Plainfield mayoral candidate Adrian Mapp and Bridget Rivers, who is running for re-election to her 4th Ward Council seat. All of the seats in the State Legislature are up this year.

The Democratic headquarters will be open daily from Noon to dark from now until Primary Election Day, Tuesday, June 4. Volunteers will distribute literature as well as lawn signs and visitors may sign up to volunteer, host a kaffee klatch, or take along a lawn sign.

Though the big action in New Jersey will be the November gubernatorial election, expected to be between incumbent Chris Christie and Democratic challenger Sen. Barbara Buono, Plainfield's overwhelming Demcratic registration means the winner of the June primary is tantamount to being the victor in November. Green and Stender, with their running mate, Sen. Nick Scutari, are expected to be re-elected handily to the Legislature.

Mapp is being challenged in the primary election by incumbent Sharon Robinson-Briggs, who is running off the party line. Rivers faces no challenger.

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Crescent Concerts presents 'Handel With Care' tonight

Crescent Concerts are offered at Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church.

 
Plainfield's Crescent Concerts presents 'Handel With Care' tonight, a make-up concert for one cancelled last November in the aftermath of Super Storm Sandy.

Tonight's concert features two pieces from time spent in Italy when Handel was barely in his 20s: Dominus Dixit (Psalm 110) and Laudate, pueri dominum (Psalm 113). Referred to as 'vesper psalms', it is conjectured that these were part of a series composed for the Roman Catholic service of Vespers and performed while Handel was still in Italy under the patronage of the Colonna family at the church of Santa Maria in Montesanto.

The Dominus Dixit is a big chorus-and-orchestra work, while the Laudate is scored for more restrained forces. Both pieces were composed with castrati prominently featured. The assumption is that Crescent Concerts will not reach for authenticity on this particular point; that does not mean the quality of the performance will be impaired in any way.

Crescent Concerts are offered in the sanctuary of the beautiful and acoustically outstanding Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Tonight's performance begins at 8:00 PM.

Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church is at East 7th Street and Watchung Avenue. (Parking available in the church lot, on street, or in Swain Galleries lot.)

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Plainfield Dem campaign HQ opens Saturday

Plainfield Democratic HQ is next to Dunkin' Donuts.

 
Plainfield's Democratic Party headquarters for the 2013 Primary season will have its grand opening Saturday, April 13 from Noon to 2:00 PM.

The headquarters is on West Front Street next door to the Dunkin' Donuts shop adjacent to the Union County Office Building Plaza at West Front Street and Park Avenue (formerly the Gallo's Pizza shop).

Music will be provided on the plaza and light refreshments will be available at the headquarters office. Stop by and meet Plainfield's Democratic candidates Adrian Mapp for Mayor and Bridget Rivers for 4th Ward Council. Members of the 22nd Legislative District team (Sen. Nick Scutari, Assemblyman Jerry Green and Assemblywoman Linda Stender) as well as candidates for neighborhood committee seats will all be on hand.

Word to the wise: Don't even think of trying to park on Front Street. Use the parking behind the building next to the parking deck (accessible off East 2nd Street or Madison Avenue). You may want to speak to Assemblyman Green about getting UCIA approval for use of the parking deck by the public during the primary campaign season.

See you there!

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-- Dan Damon [follow]

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Sharon gatecrashes Rivers fundraiser

Plainfield Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs showed up uninvited at a fundraiser for 4th Ward Councilor Bridget Rivers at Café Vivace on South Avenue Thursday evening.

Robinson-Briggs, never accused of being the brightest bulb in the chandelier, seems to be having trouble negotiating the new lay of the land now that she has chosen to run for re-election without the Democratic Party's blessing.

Not that it has been easy for everyone to make the adjustments arising from the party's designation of Councilor Adrian Mapp, chair of the New Dems political club, as the Democratic standard-bearer in the mayoral primary.

As Mapp and other New Dems are reminding their friends and supporters, Plainfield's Democratic party has drawn together to present a united front in anticipation of the gubernatorial contest in November.

In fact, Plainfield is a bright spot for Democrats, considering the jockeying and backbiting going on in other communities (see today's CLIPS here for stories ranging from East Orange to Jersey City to Asm. Joe Cryan).

The local realignment means that Robinson-Briggs must learn to deal not only without being the 'star' guest at political functions, but with her friends and allies having to decide if they will work with the party organization or break away and rally under her banner. Rivers, who has been friendly with the Mayor in the past, has the party's blessing and is running with Mapp as part of the 'Plainfield team'.

Word has it that Robinson-Briggs' longtime treasurer, Councilor Bill Reid, has told her she will have to find a new treasurer after he files his last report for her (for the quarter ending 3/31/2013). Reid also serves as treasurer of the Plainfield Democratic City Committee and will be continuing in that post.

While Councilor Rivers is running unopposed for the 4th Ward seat, campaigns still incur costs for normal expenses such as printed materials, lawn signs, etc. Those who wish to offer Rivers financial support can make checks payable to 'Committee to Elect Bridget Rivers' and bring along tomorrow or leave at Democratic HQ, 211 West Front Street (next to Dunkin' Donuts).

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Congressman Holt's mobile office at Plainfield Library today

Plainfield was recently added to the 12th Congressional District.

 
Congressman Rush Holt's mobile office will be at the Plainfield Library today from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Staffers will have available information for constituents and will take note of concerns residents wish to bring to the Congressman's attention.

Plainfield was added to Congressman Holt's District as a result of the redistricting that followed the 2010 Census. Last November was the first time we voted on Holt's candidacy. The Congressional redistricting will take place again after the 2020 Annual Census.

You can also visit the Congressman's website here.

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Grand Opening of Mike Gilliam's relocated Fight Club Saturday

Young NPFC students meditate.

 
Several NY Jets players will be on hand to sign autographs Saturday at the North Plainfield Fight Club's grand opening of its new 20,000 square foot facility.

Founded by Plainfield police captain Mike Gilliam in 2010, the club has become New Jersey's largest martial arts school, and is celebrating its relocation to the former Einstein Moomjy store on Route 22 East (at Jefferson Avenue).

Beginning at 10:00 AM Saturday, the day will have a full schedule of free classes (including a street defense class), team demos, a Moon Bounce for kids, food and prizes. North Plainfield officials have been invited to the ribbon cutting and, for football fans, there will be a special appearance for autograph signing by several NY Jets players who regularly train at the North Plainfield club.

A locally owned business, the North Plainfield Fight Club first opened its doors in 2010. The guiding force behind the school is well-known martial arts instructor Master Michael Gilliam. With 38 years of training, he holds multiple black belts across several martial arts disciplines. In this new, larger facility Gilliam looks to expand the types of fitness classes they can offer including P90x, body sculpting, yoga and kickboxing as well as personal training.

Gilliam’s vision is to build a strong community of people focused on their healthy lifestyle and to educate young people. “Life skills such as respect, discipline and confidence, including bullying prevention, are important for our children to learn at an early age,” said Gilliam. “We want to make sure we teach children confidence so that they will not become victims.”

Gilliam also wants to develop athletes to become future champions. Gilliam has trained 42 National Junior Olympic champions in Olympic Style Tae Kwon Do. Some of the disciplines taught at NPFC are Boxing, Muay Thai, Tae Kwon Do, Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and Fitness. Last fall the club had three winners in the 2012 New Jersey State Amateur Boxing Diamond Gloves Tournament. The club currently has two boxers in the semi-finals of the Golden Gloves Tournament.

Gilliam looks forward to welcoming younger students to martial arts. Classes are geared to children as young as three years old up to teenagers and adults.

Recently relocated from Somerset Street, the new school is conveniently located at 934 Route 22 East, just past the Somerset Farms Market in the former Einstein Moomjy building. Ample parking is available in the rear from the Jefferson Avenue driveway.

For more information about classes, call (908) 548-8857.

NPFC members pose in a group photo.

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Grand Opening of Mike Gilliam's
Relocated
NORTH PLAINFIELD FIGHT CLUB

Saturday, April 13 
10:00 AM
 
934 Route 22 East
at Jefferson Avenue

(Formerly Einstein Moomjy)

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Confidence in administration not bolstered by CIP, Skateboard Park issues

Administration's performance not exactly confidence-inspiring.

Confidence in the Robinson-Briggs administration's competence was not bolstered by its handling last night of issues around questions raised by the Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) and resolutions concerning a Skateboard Park.

The CIP question, raised by Maria Pellum in researching the CIP for her blog and by Dottie Gutenkauf from the floor at public comment time, concerned the inclusion of $50,000 for a feasibility study of uses for the Muhlenberg Hospital campus/facilities in the CIP.

As Corporation Counsel Minchello noted during the Administration's answers to questions posed at last week's meeting, it was inappropriate for the study expense to be included in the CIP since the City does not own the Muhlenberg property. He added that the funding was moved by Mayor Robinson-Briggs to the Planning Division's regular operating budget for 2013, increasing a $10,000 allocation to cover the $50,000 line.

As for the Skateboard Park items (one for an engineering study for $7,815 and another for soil testing for $6,595), the Robinson-Briggs administration, in answering the previous week's questions, indicated the source of funding for these two items as 'US EPA grants'. Mr. Berry also noted that the resolutions in question (R 125-13 and R 126-13) would need to be amended when taken up in order to correct the funding information.

These are beginners' mistakes, and might be overlooked for a newbie beginning to deal with presenting matters for the Council's consideration. But the Robinson-Briggs administration is hardly in a 'newbie' position. In the old days, when a resolution was submitted to the Council, it used to include two signatures by the Administration: that of the City Administrator attesting to the validity of its form and content (including such things as source of funds), and that of the Corporation Counsel, attesting that the resolution passed legal muster.

So, here we are in the eighth (and hopefully, last) year of the Robinson-Briggs administration and items are still coming to the Council table in a loosey-goosey fashion. Add last night's revelations to the four items withdrawn by the Administration at the March agenda-setting session (see story here), and the overall result is not confidence-inspiring.

Plainfield deserves better. Hopefully, she will soon get it.

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• Plainfield Today:  "Sometimes Council news is found between the lines"

-- Dan Damon [follow]

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Budgeting in Plainfield, how embarrassing!

Lilly Pulitzer's shocking combinations and Plainfield's budget?

 
At last, a resolution introducing Plainfield's 2013 budget will be taken up by the Council at tonight's business meeting.

Never mind that Rahway is expected to ADOPT its budget after its hearing tonight (see here).

Never mind that the state-mandated budget introduction date (February 10) is ancient history.

Never mind that when Plainfield switched from a fiscal year to a calendar year budget, starting with January 2012, the promise was that this would make it easier for the Robinson-Briggs administration to prepare and present its budget proposal in a more timely (!) fashion.

Never mind that the Robinson-Briggs administration does not follow the procedures outlined by the City Charter, which Maria Pellum recently pointed out (see here), including --

• Having department heads submit their budget proposals at a scheduled public hearing before the City Administrator to justify their proposals BEFORE introduction to the Council;
• Inclusion of a 'budget message' with each year's submission by the Mayor.

Never mind that a Citizens Budget Advisory Committee has yet to be appointed.

Never mind that no schedule of public budget hearings by the City Council has been set.

Never mind that initial queries from individual Councilors at last Monday's agenda-setting session indicate that, once again, the budget document is evidently beset with flaws, omissions and errors.

Despite promises by the Robinson-Briggs administration, it appears the taxpayers will be treated to the same process as in previous years: late and unacceptable to the state without 'scrubbing' by a professional adviser (whose hiring is also up for a vote tonight).

Mayor Robinson-Briggs would no doubt sympathize completely with her soul mate, the fashion designer Lilly Pulitzer, whose obituary appears in today's New York Times (see here).

When told by the curator of a 2008 retrospective of her designs by the Parsons School in New York that a pattern she particularly wanted included could not be because its costs on the vintage market was outside his budget, Pulitzer replied, 'A budget? How embarrassing.'

How embarrassing, indeed.

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• Rahway Rising:  "City budget up for hearing, vote on Monday"
• Maria's Blog:  "The annual budget and the city charter: Let's follow the action"
• Obituary:  "Lilly Pulitzer, heiress who gave elite clothes a tropical splash"
  

-- Dan Damon [follow]

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Welcome Crescent Area Association's new website

The Crescent Avenue Historic District's neighborhood assocation has a new website.

 
Plainfield's Crescent Area Neighborhood Association has a new website (see here), that offers readers plenty of information about the neighborhood and the association, which has been in existence since 1977.

It is good to see the folks in the Crescent Area coming together again. Over the years there have beens ups and downs for the neighborhood, one of Plainfield's pioneer historic districts.

This has been partly because many of the properties have been converted into absentee-owned multi-family residences. The conversions have roots back to World War II, when the federal government overrode local zoning regulations to allow fancy homes such as those in the Crescent Avenue area to be subdivided to meet the drastic need for housing for workers in war industries.

Another obstacle has been that so many of the homes have had original details such as porches, 'gingerbread', and shutters torn away.

Even so, the original homes along Crescent Avenue and some of the side streets are imposing and substantially preserved. A definite plus is that the neighborhood is compact and friendly, with the Library and Seventh Street shopping and restaurants just steps away.

The area practically counts as Plainfield's cultural 'center' with all the musical activities that take place at Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church, Grace Episcopal Church's carillon, Act IV's theater productions at the First Unitarian Society, and the multitude of public programs offered by the Library (plus its use for community meetings).

Regular meetings of the Crescent Area Neighbors are building a foundation of bonhomie for the neighborhood's future and this ambitious website will play a role. Be sure to check it out and give them warm words of encouragement.

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• Website:  "Crescent Area Neighborhood Association"
  

-- Dan Damon [follow]

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Remembering Priscilla Castles

Always with a ready smile and a hearty laugh...

 
I met Priscilla Castles when I first came to work for Plainfield Mayor Al McWilliams, moving over to City Hall from the Plainfield Public Library where I had been tasked with community outreach.

Wary of me (and McWilliams) at first, we shortly became friends once Priscilla concluded that I meant no harm, nor did Mayor McWilliams. Visits to her office were always a treat, with her hearty laugh and her vast knowledge of the workings of City Hall.

Priscilla reminded me of my mother's girlfriend Ruth, who was 'the' operator for the Cassadaga and Lily Dale Telephone Company in the late 1940s. Ruthie had a huge oaken switchboard cabinet in her bedroom, from which she connected the two villages' residents to each other and the outside world manually (this was the days before direct dial).

The disadvantage was that she was constantly on call, the advantage was that she knew absolutely everything that was going on in this corner of the world.

The same could be said of Priscilla -- without leaving her desk (or her daily newspaper), she was in touch with everything going on not only in her bailiwick, but the rest of City Hall. Invaluable for me, the newbie!

As it turned out, we shared something else: Each of us had gotten our start in the adult world of work through the Model Cities Program, and we would reminisce about the sense of excitement and possibility of those early days.

Though Priscilla did not play much of an open role in Plainfield's political life, she was intensely interested in its goings on and was well aware how bruising it could be. Early on, she made clear to me that she wanted to be included on McWilliams' invitation list for fundraisers and events and so she was.

I was somewhat puzzled, though, that she never came out to these, even though invited. What I later learned was that many times, the organizers of an event would receive a contribution in the form of a postal money order from a 'Sid Anderson'. For some time, folks were puzzled about who the mysterious Mr. Anderson was, until someone figured out it was Priscilla, known as Syd to family and friends. So, Priscilla quietly showed her support for McWilliams and others in the New Dems camp.

Priscilla did a lot of good for the Plainfield community over the years, and I will certainly miss her.

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Services For
PRISCILLA CASTLES

Saturday, April 6 Viewing: 10:00 AM - Noon
Service: Noon
Higgins Home for Funerals
West 8th Street at Arlington Avenue

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• Higgins Home for Funerals:  "Priscilla 'Syd' Castles"

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Faith Bricks & Mortar to honor Emily Washington

Plainfield activist Emily Washington to be honored.

 
Plainfield housing nonprofit Faith Bricks & Mortar will honor longtime Plainfield activist Emily Washington at its annual Sally Beckwith Awards Brunch on Saturday, April 20.

Mrs. Washington has been a powerhouse in Plainfield community, church, school and political circles for decades.

A native of Lynchburg, Virginia, she came to Plainfield when her family relocated in her teens.

Her lifelong activism in civil rights began in the 1940s when she joined the NAACP, of which she is a longtime Life Member, having served as president and vice president. She has also been active with the Urban League, the Plainfield Human Relations Commission and the city's Martin Luther King Jr. Committee.

As a parent she became involved with the schools, serving in the Washington and Hubbard School PTAs as well as on the Citizens Budget Advisory Committee for the Plainfield Board of Ed. At Washington and Jefferson Schools, Emily provided scholarships and awards through a fund memorializing her late husband, the Rev. H. G. Washington.

Emily has chaired fund drives for the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society as well as fundraising for Deborah Hospital. She has been active in veterans affairs through the American Legion, including serving as president of the Union County American Legion Auxiliary.

From the time of her service as President Eishenhower's election coordinator in Plainfield, Emily has been deeply involved in Republican politics at the local, county and state levels. She is a longtime 4th Ward committeewoman, has been president of Union County Afro-American Republicans and a member of the NJ Black Republican Council.

When they relocated to Plainfield, Emily's family became active with Mt. Olive Baptist Church, where she served in various capacities over the years, leaving only to serve with her husband when he was assistant pastor at White Rock Baptist Church in South Plainfield. She is currently a member of Rose of Sharon Community Church.

The Awards Brunch is named in honor of Sally Beckwith, one of the founders of Faith Bricks & Mortar, who was also active as a musician and producer, director and actor in the Act IV group which presents at the First Unitarian Society of Plainfield.

The Brunch is $50/person and will be held at the Spain Inn. Reservations may be made by calling FBM at (908) 756-5774, or drop by the office at 164 East Front Street (facing the rear public parking lot).

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FAITH BRICKS & MORTAR
Sally Beckwith Awards Brunch
Honoring
Emily Washington

Saturday, April 20 11:00 AM
Spain Inn
1707 West 7th Street (at Rock Avenue)
Piscataway
For Reservations or Ticket Purchases
call FBM at (908) 756-5774

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-- Dan Damon [follow]

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Plainfield Symphony's 'After Dinner Dance' Saturday

Fun for all at the Symphony's Dance Party.

 
Plainfield Symphony supporters are known for enjoying good music and a good time. This Saturday, the 'good time' will be highlighted.

With no PSO concert scheduled until April 27 (An Evening of Verdi), but with Spring weather -- allegedly -- at last upon us, Plainfield Symphony supporters have found a reason to get together for an 'After Dinner Dance' Saturday evening.

The evening gets under way at 8:30 PM at the Parish Hall of the First Unitarian Society (FUSP), and features dance music by DJ Michael Roselli; snacks, sandwiches and sweets; an open bar, and a silent auction at 10 PM.

Publicity says the DJ will be playing 'older' music early and 'newer' music late. Hmmm. At any rate, your musical requests can be sent by email to Mike at mike.roselli@gmail.com; include 'April 6th' in the subject line.

Tickets are $50/person and will be available at the door, but please reserve in advance by calling Charles Weltner at (908) 561-5660 or by email to charles@weltner.com. Note that $25 of each ticket is a charitable contribution.

The First Unitarian Society is at 724 Park Avenue, Plainfield. Parking is available in the public lot across the street from the church.

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Negro League baseball program at Library Saturday

The Newark Eagles were one of the teams in the Negro League.

 
As Plainfield youth prepare for their 2013 baseball season, the Friends of the Library are hosting a special program this Saturday afternoon on Negro League baseball at Yankee Stadium, 'The House the Ruth Built and Pop Opened!'.

The program, presented by Lawrence Hogan, PhD, professor of history at Union County College will cover of the history of Negro League baseball from 1930 through 1948 at America’s most historic ballpark, Yankee Stadium. Presentation will focus on the historic opening of the Stadium to Negro League play on July 5th, 1930, for a doubleheader that is arguably the most significant game ever played at the fabled Yankee Stadium. Video and materials will bring home the events to attendees.

The presentation takes place in the Plainfield Public Library's Anne Louise Davis Meeting Room, Saturday, April 6 at 2:00 PM. Admission is free and baseball enthusiasts of all ages are welcome! The program is funded by a grant from the NJ Council for the Humanities.

The Plainfield Public Library is at Park Avenue and West 8th Street. Parking is available in two library lots and on the street. Information: Belinda Smiley (908) 514-9478.

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Council balks at paying Monarch condo fees

The Monarch houses the Plainfield Senior and Veterans' Centers
and 62 condo apartments.

Plainfield City Council balked once again last night at paying a $33,000 condo fee demanded by developer Glen Fishman of Dornoch.

Not because it disputes a fee is due and owed, but because Councilors claim the developer has not shown an audited financial statement detailing the costs on which the assessment is supposed to be based.

Expressing frustration with Administration and Finance Director Al Restaino, Councilor Cory Storch reiterated that the Council had asked for an audited financial statement but that the Administration had, once again, merely passed along details on a spreadsheet supplied by Dornoch. As Storch pointed out previously, this simply will not do. Citing the fact that the condo project had been occupied for several years now, Storch insisted that there must be better figures.

The City's condo fees are based on its percentage of ownership of the complex (at 13+ percent), but fees are supposed to be based on audited financial statements. Storch said he would be happy it the Administration brought Fishman to a Council meeting to discuss the matter.

Councilor Brown also reminded the others that there were promised items -- rooftop solar panels and a balcony garden -- that were still in dispute.

Restaino noted that a 5-seat board is still controlled by the developer (3 seats) as most units are not yet sold, but rented (though rentals are not supposed to be allowed).

Though the City, as a 13% owner, should have a seat on the board, it seems that the Robinson-Briggs administration has never previously taken any interest in its condo ownership nor attempted to play a role in the condo association. Though Restaino says the City will take part in meetings, it is not clear whether the condo board will be re-organized to reflect the city's role.

Councilors agreed the City owed a fee and expressed its willingness to sign off on payment, providing that the necessary conditions on how the expenses were arrived at were met.

The ball is still in the developer's court.

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-- Dan Damon [follow]

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$1 million 'gift' coming back to haunt PMUA Board?

Is its $1 million 'gift' to former executives Eric Watson and Dave Ervin coming back to haunt the Plainfield Municipal Utilities Authority (PMUA) Board of Commissioners?

Could be.

Word comes that the PMUA has been in receipt for some time now of a letter from the New Jersey Public Advocate, excoriating the Board for having awarded the $1 million as 'capricious'.

Further, the internal ruckus caused by the action itself, in which newly appointed members Malcolm R. Dunn and Cecil Sanders brought along member Alex Toliver in prevailing over the other two Commissioners (Brokaw and Mitchell) in making the award, led one of the agency's insurers to cancel the provision of 'Officers and Directors' insurance for that action.

'Officers and Directors' insurance policies typically indemnify the insured (in this case the individual Commissioners) against lawsuits over matters pertaining to the performance of their duties.

Refusal by an insurer to cover any particular action of the Board suggests that the insurer's guess is that it would be left holding the bag if there were a lawsuit over the matter. (It seems likely that those who carried the day -- Dunn, Sanders and Toliver -- could find themselves liable for any damages in a civil suit on the matter; Brokaw and Mitchell not so.)

It will be interesting to see how things develop.

Unfortunately, my copy of the letter is smudged, and I cannot make out if it is dated May, 2012 or April 1, 2013.

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-- Dan Damon [follow]

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